Odd Wheel Noise That Stopped

[Carracer]

At the last event, tech found that my left front wheel was making some noise like a ball joint or a bearing. I was allowed to compete because it wasn't huge but I wanted to fix it before the next event.

Well, when I got home it didn't make the noise anymore. I put the car up on jacks and pulled/pushed/clamped on everything but I didn't find any play in anything or any noise. I also checked the brakes because I recently had them off. Everything checked out.

Will I have any problems with tech if it is fine when they check it again even though I didn't do anything to actually fix it?

[Loren]

As long as you have no symptoms, shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe a loose tie-rod end that only made noise when at a particular angle? Check those closely, and they are easy to replace.

[Carracer]

OK, I'll keep an eye on it and try some different steering angles.

Thanks.

[Loren]

Not just the steering angle, but the angle that the tie rod is rotated. You can rotate that whole rod through probably 30 degrees or more at any given steering angle.

If the boots are torn on your outer tie rod ends, just replace them. They're like $15 each from Rock Auto.

I've never replaced the inners. But, they could be worn, as well.

[twistedwankel]

The obvious question is: "What were they shaking when it made a noise in the first place?"

Since we don't jack up a car it must have been something simple. Like a foot on the tire.

Spring perch have good rubbers?

[Carracer]

Not just the steering angle, but the angle that the tie rod is rotated. You can rotate that whole rod through probably 30 degrees or more at any given steering angle.

If the boots are torn on your outer tie rod ends, just replace them. They're like $15 each from Rock Auto.

I've never replaced the inners. But, they could be worn, as well.

I will look again. I tried to wiggle them but they didn't feel like they had play in them. I'll see if the boots are torn.

The obvious question is: "What were they shaking when it made a noise in the first place?"

Since we don't jack up a car it must have been something simple. Like a foot on the tire.

Spring perch have good rubbers?

If if you gave the tire a good push a noise could be heard. I haven't looked at the spring perch.

Thanks.